Abstract: A molding attaching clip 30 includes a fixed portion 31 to be fixed in a groove 15 of a roof panel 10, a pair of elastically deformable wall portions 32 which are erected from the fixed portion 31, a pair of engaging portions 33 which are provided on the pair of wall portions 32, and an elastically deformable guide portion 36 which is projected from the fixed portion 31. A roof molding 20 includes a head portion 21 for covering the groove 15, and a projected portion 27 which is protruded from a back face of the head portion 21. The projected portion has a pair of locking portions 24 which are provided on both side faces thereof, and a receiving groove 26 which is formed in the projected portion 27. On occasion of engaging the roof molding 20 with the molding attaching clip 30, the roof molding 20 is positioned so that the pair of locking portions 24 can be engaged with the pair of engaging portions 33, by butting the receiving groove 26 against the guide portion 36.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method for use are provided for covering a seam extending between roof and side panels of a vehicle, the panels including opposing shoulders adjacent the seam defining a ditch. The apparatus includes a section of molding including first and second ends, an upper surface including a painted finish, and a lower surface. Mounts extend from the lower surface that are spaced apart from one another. Flexible trim extends along side edges of the molding between the first and second ends. In addition, a roof rack member extends from the upper surface of the molding. During use, the molding is mounted to the vehicle at a plurality of discrete locations, e.g., by the mounts, such that the molding extends along the ditch without touching the shoulders. The trim extends from the side edges to contact the shoulders of the ditch.

Abstract: Recreational vehicle roofing coatings, recreational vehicle roofs, recreational vehicles, and methods of waterproofing recreational vehicle roofs are provided. The recreational vehicle roofs have polyurethane coatings that are single layer coatings that form waterproofing membranes on the recreational vehicle roof. The coatings can be applied to a recreational vehicle roof before or after the installation of the roof on the vehicle.

Abstract: An internal ceiling cladding for a large vehicle for passenger transport, in particular, a rail vehicle, includes a cladding element, arranged in the vicinity of a door drive and arched elements adjacent thereto. The cladding element is provided as base module and includes a surface on the side thereof facing the vehicle longitudinal centre for the exact matching up of a further cladding element.

Abstract: A system for preventing roof crush during a rollover type automobile accident. The system is a series of shock absorbing elements that are incorporated into each pillar of a vehicle and interconnect to the roof, and an airbag for detaching the roof apart from the vehicle just prior to a rollover event. During the rollover process, but prior to an actual rollover, the airbag deploys to detach the roof, which is supported by the series of shock absorbing elements. In the event that the vehicle completes the rollover or impacts an object or structure, the shock absorbing elements cushion the forces applied to the roof and prevent reduction of the available space of the passenger cabin. The shock absorbing elements also reduce bouncing of the vehicle by non-resiliently absorbing some of the force placed on the roof during a rollover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supporting structure of a roof corner for a large vehicle in which the roof corner includes a roof structure and a side structure connected to the roof structure, the supporting structure comprising a reinforcing member coupled to the roof structure and the side structure for supporting the roof corner and minimizing deformation of the roof corner in the event of vehicle overturn.

Abstract: A roof structure for a motor vehicle, which has a roof-supporting roof frame, which is suitable to receive different roof modules, such as panoramic roofs, sliding roofs etc. The roof frame of the roof structure according to the invention has a surrounding flange directed towards the roof centre. The flange is additionally formed on the side of the vehicle such that it has a longitudinal supporting section, which extends parallel to the roof frame over the length of the roof frame from the free end of the flange in the direction of the center of the vehicle roof. The flange and the supporting section are formed in one piece according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof structure for a vehicle with a roof panel (1), with side wall panels (2) and with a front and rear roof frame (10, 11), the roof panel (1) having a front side (3) and a rear side (4) and a longitudinal side (5, 6) on both sides, and the front roof frame (10) being assigned to the front side (3) of the roof panel (1) and the rear roof frame (11) being assigned to the rear side (4). The roof panel (1) is connected at least indirectly at its longitudinal sides (5, 6) to the side wall panels (2). The roof panel (1) is connected to the side wall panel (2) and/or to the front roof frame (10) and/or to the rear roof frame (11) via an angled bar (20). The invention likewise relates to a method for producing the roof structure.

Abstract: A vehicular bus having a roof reinforcement structure having a plurality of hubs and angularly spaced reinforcement channel members extending radially outward from each hub. The vehicular bus further includes and improved destination sign and advertising panel members positioned in the interior of the bus and extending down the sides of a bus visible through the side windows.

Abstract: A mechanical independent blade control (MIBC) mechanism for controlling the pitch of each of the blades of a rotor blade system or a main rotor of a rotor aircraft independently of the other blades includes a plurality of actuators disposed in the fuselage below the hub of the rotor, each being operable to selectively control the pitch of an associated one of the blades independently of the other blades, and a plurality of mechanical linkages disposed within the annulus of the rotor mast, each coupled between a blade and an actuator and operable to transmit a force output by the actuator to a pitch horn fixed to an inner end of the associated blade. The mechanism enables the direction of pitch of each blade to be changed more than twice during one revolution of the rotor.

Abstract: A convertible roofing material which includes an outer fabric layer formed at least partially of polymeric coated, core yarns such as a polyester core coated with polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: A tractor cab roof with integral HVAC air ducts includes an upper roof member and a lower roof member. The upper roof member includes a top panel, downwardly depending side edges, and a downwardly depending rear edge. The lower roof member includes a central panel, left and right side panels below the central panel, a rear panel below the central panel, sloping side walls, and a sloping rear wall. Conditioned air ducts are between the upper roof member and the left and right side panels, with conditioned air outlet apertures in the sloping side walls. An evaporator/heater core is mounted on the rear panel, with an air mixing chamber to the rear and a conditioned air discharge cavity in front. Recirculating air intake apertures are provided where the sloping rear wall joins the rear panel. A pair of blowers move conditioned air from the conditioned air chamber into the conditioned air ducts. The flow of conditioned air crosses over the recirculating air in a figure eight pattern.

Abstract: A method is provided for mounting a roof assembly into the interior of a vehicle having a fixed roof and an interior roof cover shell. A substrate is attached to the lower side of a frame. A roof opening is made in the vehicle roof and in the cover shell. The circumference of the shell opening is made slightly larger than the outer circumference of the substrate, at least at the position of the inner circumference of the cover shell after assembly. The frame and the substrate attached to the lower side thereof are mounted to the vehicle roof and the outer circumference of the substrate is fixed to the inner circumference of the cover shell opening. The substrate and cover shell may be demounted as a unit before a flexible cover is provided over the lower side of the cover shell and substrate. The unit of substrate, cover shell and cover is mounted again to the frame and vehicle roof.

Abstract: A seat belt device for a central portion of a rearmost row seat includes a retractor. The retractor is attached at a vehicle roof above a central passenger on the central seat portion of the rear row seat. More specifically, a pair of left and right roof rails are interconnected by a first reinforcement extending in a vehicle width direction before the central passenger, and the first reinforcement and a rear header are interconnected by a second reinforcement extending in a longitudinal direction. A retractor is attached at the first reinforcement. A seat belt withdrawn from the retractor is disposed so as to extend via a seat belt anchor disposed in the rear header.

Abstract: A superstructure configured to be assembled on a body of a motor vehicle which comprises a rollover-proof passenger compartment which is open upwards, the superstructure forming a solid roof extending beyond the passenger compartment as far as a rear end of the body. A vehicle body assembly, a superstructure system and a production assembly incorporating such a superstructure are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a cab roof of a vehicle with a movable panel. The cab is provided with a front windscreen, a rear deck or rear walls, and door frames at both sides. The door frames are connected with the front windscreen at the front side, with the rear decks or rear walls at the rear side, forming the enclosing sidewalls of the cab. The connecting cover is hinged with the enclosing sidewalls at the front end, and is provided with rear windscreen at the rear end. The entire cab roof is consisted of the connecting cover and the rear windscreen. A telescopic bellow is at the bottom of the cab roof, which connects the enclosing sidewalls at the lower portion. A raising and lowering device is at the bottom of the rear side of the cab roof. The vehicle can be used as a car where passengers can be seated in the rear seats, and as well as a sports car where the cab roof drops on the enclosing sidewalls by pressing the telescopic bellow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering device for covering a mounting recess in a cover strip of a vehicle roof. Mounting recesses of this type are, for example, provided for fastening the feet of a roof luggage carrier. The covering device is comprised of an insertion part (1), which can be positioned inside the cover strip (3), and of a hinged cover (2), which is mounted in bearing shells (7) in a manner that enables it to pivot about an axis in the longitudinal direction of the strip and which fills the recess (4) when in a closed position. Said hinged cover comprises both bearing journals (6), which are shaped thereon at both ends, as well as detent journals (11), which can be locked in an open and closed position by means of spring elements (12). These spring elements are shaped onto the insertion part (1) and act upon the detent journals (11).

Abstract: A vehicle roof structure is provided with a roof panel dampening bracket which adds mass to a roof panel in order to control the resonance frequency of the roof panel. The dampening bracket has a base part, a mass adding part and a connecting part. The base part is joined to a roof bow. The mass adding part is joined to the undersurface of the roof panel by an adhesive agent in at least two points in both end parts of the vehicle in the front to aft direction. The connecting part extends in the front to aft direction of the vehicle to interconnect the base part and the mass adding part. The connecting part has at least one bent part that extends in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A structural rail system 10 for supporting an overhead console 12 in relation to a roof bow 13 within a vehicle. A pair of rail members 14, 16 are spaced apart and extend longitudinally. One or more brackets 18, 20, 22, 24 are oriented laterally in relation to the pair of rail members 14, 16. Accessories 26 are attached to the brackets 18, 20, 22, 24 and are housed within the console 12.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a body structure for a vehicle. The body structure includes a roof panel and a side frame. The attachment flange of an outer body side panel includes a roof mounting portion with a dual angle, a glass mounting portion at an angle that matches one of the dual angles, and a transition area where the dual angle of the roof mounting portion tapers to the glass mounting portion with the single angle.

Abstract: A roof bow for a vehicle, comprising a vertical face, a curved top flange extending in a first direction, and a straight bottom flange extending in the first direction. Preferably, the roof bow is monolithic with a plurality of apertures in the vertical face that provide clearance for ductwork, wiring, etc. Additionally, the roof bow may comprise horizontally and vertically-extending indented embossments, and rolled embossments about the apertures. Side flanges may additionally extend in the first direction and attach to side walls of the vehicle via an angled connector.

Abstract: Method of welding a metal sheet and metal tubing as well as a welded sheet-to-tube welded structure wherein the tube-to-sheet gage ratio may be reduced to permit use of metal tubing having a reduced wall thickness. One or more intermediate metal bridging members is/are first welded to a metal tube using a relatively rapid welding process that reduces heat input and residual tensile stress imparted to the tube. A metallic sheet then is spot welded directly to the one or more bridging members, rather than to the metallic tube, to form a welded sheet-to-tube structure.

Abstract: There is provided a roof structure of a vehicular body. The roof structure includes right and left side roof rails disposed on opposing sides of the vehicular body. The roof structure further includes a plurality of roof reinforcements installed in a spaced-apart relationship between the side roof rails and extending along a lateral direction across the vehicular body and a roof panel attached to the roof reinforcements, wherein at least one roof reinforcement of the plurality of roof reinforcements is a first roof reinforcement having a maximum width portion wider than a closest relative spacing between the first roof reinforcement and an adjacent roof reinforcement of the plurality of roof reinforcements on a first side of the first roof reinforcement.

Abstract: A utility vehicle having a cabin-frame assembly coupled to the vehicle body so as to cover rows of seats is provided. Typically, the assembly includes a main frame extended in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle substantially arcuately over the rows of seats, and an intermediate frame extended substantially arcuately and laterally across the vehicle body between the seat rows to support the main frame.

Abstract: A roof unit having an outer skin, an inward facing ceiling, whereby the outer skin and the ceiling are combined to form a unit ready for installation, a base structure having longitudinal frames. The ceiling and the outer skin along with the basic structure have joining configurations that mate the ceiling and the outer skin to the base structure at mutual places for joining. The ceiling has a sandwich structure including a middle layer of foam, at least one side of the middle layer being provided with one of a fiber mat and a glass fiber fleece and at least one of a plastic film, a cover film, a decorative overlay and a functional overlay.

Abstract: In a vehicle roof structure, a roof panel has a central opening in which a roof glass is supported. A roof molding is mounted to molding mounting grooves that are formed along connecting portions between the roof panel and roof side rails extending along the roof panel. The roof molding includes a molding body and support legs. The molding body also includes: a lip portion that is formed at one side edge thereof and protrudes out of the molding mounting groove to cover a peripheral edge of the roof glass; and an inclined portion which is formed at the other side edge thereof and is inclined smoothly toward a bottom of the molding mounting groove.

Abstract: A vehicle roof structure is disclosed that includes a front roof rail, a pair of front roof rail braces and a pair of A-pillars. First ends of the front roof rail braces are fixedly coupled to opposite ends of the front roof rail. The pair of A-pillars each has an inner A-pillar panel. Second ends of the front roof rail braces are bonded to a connection area of a respective one of the inner A-pillar panels such that the opposite ends of the front roof rail are spaced inwardly from the inner A-pillar panels by the front roof rail braces. The front roof rail extends perpendicularly from the A-pillars via the front roof rail braces. Further, each of the inner A-pillar panels has a generally constant overall transverse cross sectional shape across the connection areas of the inner A-pillar panels.

Abstract: A roof bow adapted to support a roof skin of a trailer and be affixed to spaced apart top rails of the trailer. The roof bow includes an elongated channel and a pair of end pieces affixed to opposite ends of the elongated channel by clinching. When viewed in cross section transverse to its general extent, the channel includes a substantially flat central portion and extending end portions defining support surfaces offset vertically from the central portion. The support surfaces are adapted to support the trailer sheet skin. Each end piece includes a substantially flat flange and an angled arm extending away from the flange. The angled arm adapted to be affixed to a respective one of the trailer top rails. For each of the pair of end pieces, a plurality of clinch joints affix the flange to the central portion of the channel.

Abstract: A roof module for a motor vehicle body (3) includes a reinforcing frame (2) and a roof panel (1) that is fastened thereto. The reinforcing frame (2) can be fastened to the motor vehicle body (3) by screw connections (8) and adhesive bonds (5). A roof module, which is both prefabricated with all accessories as well as painted and which can be placed onto the motor vehicle body (3) during final assembly is provided with the reinforcing frame (2) or the roof panel (1) having, on the edge thereof, a folded flange (11), which is shaped so that it has a U-shaped profile (12). An edge strip (10, 13) of the roof panel (1) or of the reinforcing frame (2) engages inside the U-shaped profile (12) and is bonded therein to the reinforcing frame (2) or to the roof panel (1). The roof module is larger in a vertical projection than a roof opening in the motor vehicle body (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite component and a method of producing such composite component, in particular a car body attachment part for a motor vehicle, which includes an outer skin that is defined by an outer skin foil associated with the motor vehicle. An inner layer made of plastic is applied to a rear side of the outer skin foil by providing a foamed or injection-molded backing. A mounting piece is disposed in a depression of the outer skin foil and is anchored therein. An intermediate foil is situated between the mounting piece and the outer skin foil and prevents, at least in sections, any direct contact between the mounting piece and the outer skin foil.

Abstract: A foamed vehicle component has a foamed main component and an insert. The insert serves as a fastening element and is embedded in the foamed main component by foaming. The insert, in a portion embedded in the foamed main component, is surrounded at least in sections by an elastic intermediate component. Pliability of the elastic intermediate component is larger than that of the foamed main component, so that the insert is resiliently supported in the foamed main component.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a roof plate which has a transparent plastic area to which a peripheral plastic edge is molded which is used especially as a cover visor and which extends downward. Furthermore, the roof plate has a nontransparent area with a holding frame for a functional element molded onto a bottom thereof.

Abstract: A sun shade which can be removed or installed without tools and mounts to a universal mounting bracket on roll bars on tractors whether they lean forwards or backwards and employs a unique slot and notch system which provides a wide and safe range of adjustability.

Abstract: To provide a joint structure for vehicle body members, which can effectively accommodate distortion due to joining of dissimilar metals, a joining surface of an aluminum roof panel and a joining surface of a side roof rail made of steel are joined by non-piercing rivets, with an electrically insulating structural adhesive being interposed between the joining surfaces, and a bead extending along the joining surfaces is formed in the aluminum roof panel.

Abstract: In a molding fixing structure, a T-stud stood within a roof groove is inserted into a T-stud insertion hole of a fixing clip, and then a roof molding is moved in a longitudinal direction of the roof groove with respect to the T-stud to insert the T-stud into a T-stud fixing hole of the fixing clip. A base plate portion of the fixing clip includes a bottom portion positioned lower than a lower surface of a head portion of the T-stud when the T-stud is inserted into the T-stud insertion hole, a guide portion that extends obliquely upward from the bottom portion toward a longitudinal center side of the roof molding and is in sliding contact with the lower surface of the head portion of the T-stud, and a top portion formed in the guide portion and positioned higher than the lower surface of the head portion.

Abstract: A vehicle roof structure is disclosed that includes a center roof rail, a pair of center roof rail braces and a pair of inner side roof rail panels. The center roof rail supports a mid-portion of a vehicle roof. The pair of center roof rail braces has first and second ends with the first end of the center roof rail braces being directly bonded to opposite free ends of the center roof rail. The pair of inner side roof rail panels is each configured to form a portion of a vehicle side roof rail on opposite lateral sides of the vehicle roof structure. An inboard side of each of the inner side roof rail panels is directly bonded to the second ends of the center roof rail braces, respectively, without bonding the center roof rail to the inner side roof rail panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle having a housing, at least one part of the internal surface of which is covered by at least one lining panel (1), and objects (3, 4, 5) such as cables, flexible printed circuits, flexible flat cables or anti-vibration blocks which are disposed between the lining panel (1) and the housing. One of the faces of the lining panel(s) (1) is provided with loops and male anchoring elements, particularly hooks (8), which are used to fix the objects and/or housing, with which said hooks are associated, to the panel(s).

Abstract: An integrally designed roof rack and roof panel attached to a vehicle may be formed using quick plastic forming (QPF) and superplastic forming processing (SPF). A number of vehicle accessories such as luggage containers, fuel tanks, consoles, door attachments, truck beds and table trays may be formed using QPF processes. The items may be installed and movable onto and off the vehicle. A variety of QPF processes may be employed, enabling the vehicle accessory to meet required strength, dimensional, and shape considerations. Additionally, component integration is enabled by using QPF processes.

Abstract: A windshield covering system includes a pair of tracks. Each of the tracks is attached to a roof of a vehicle. The tracks are each positioned adjacent to one of a pair of lateral sides of the roof and each extends along one of a pair of lateral edge of a windshield of the vehicle. A panel has a pair of side edges. Each of the side edges is positioned in one of the tracks. The panel is selectively positioned in a stored position over the roof or in an extended position extending downwardly over the windshield. The panel is opaque and comprises a resiliently flexible material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a canopy assembly for use on a tractor that can be conveniently installed and removed by a single operator. The canopy assembly includes, among other things, a sun shield, a bracket assembly, and attachment arms. Installing the sun shield includes the step of attaching a pair of attachment arms to a pair of bracket mounting arms that are mounted to a tractor.

Abstract: The invention relates to the assembly of a roof module and a vehicle body. The roof module lies on flanges of the roof section of the vehicle body and is bonded to said flanges by means of an adhesive layer. To obtain a desired, predetermined thickness for the adhesive layer between the roof module and flanges by a reliable process and to prevent adhesive from escaping from the bonding area, spacers are provided in the area of the flange. Said spacers allow the distance between the interior surface of the module, said surface facing the flange, and the upper surface of the flange, said surface facing the roof module, to be set to a predetermined measurement.

Abstract: A roof for a sleeper compartment truck is built from a plurality of pieces of manageable size while minimizing the required labor and waste of material required for construction.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for providing an overhead frame structure having two side frame members each with at least one protrusion and one or more cross members coupling the side frame members through interconnection with the protrusions. Each protrusion has a corrugated configuration. Each cross member has end portions each having a wall with corrugated configuration. Each wall is adapted to engage one of the protrusions. The end portions in each cross member are adapted to receive one of the pairs of opposing protrusions therein. The cross members are coupled between the side frame members with the engagement and subsequent securing of the protrusions to the end portions of the cross members.

Abstract: A console for motor vehicles comprises a bezel and a divider. The bezel defines an opening for receiving one or more modules. The divider is releasably attached to the bezel to divide the opening into a plurality of slots. Each slot is provided for receiving a separate module.

Abstract: A body structure for a customized van is enhanced by providing a roof support element which is light in weight, strong, and easily shaped to conform to curved roof lines. The body structure comprises a rafter having upper and lower extruded rails and a plurality of gussets connected between the rails to join the rails in a single member. The rails are T-shaped in cross section with the upright of the T providing a point for connection of the gussets.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body part, especially a motor vehicle roof, cargo bed, or the like, which includes a composite material having an outside skin and a support structure in a sandwich structure. In order to prevent penetration of moisture into the support structure, the support structure, at least in certain areas, is provided with a vapor barrier layer.

Abstract: A vehicle roof assembly is provided including a glass roof that has an outer surface, an opposing inner surface and edge surfaces defining a periphery therebetween. Trim members are configured to abut the edge surfaces when the glass roof is supported at the inner surface. The glass roof and trim members are preferably of sufficient size to extend from the front windshield to a rear window of the vehicle when the trim members abut the edge surfaces. Additionally, a method of retrofitting a vehicle is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roof molding-free body structure of a type such that a molding is not provided in a joint portion between a roof panel 2 and a roof side rail 3.

Abstract: A modular roof of an automobile (1) comprising a bodyshell roof structure (2) which has a front and rear transverse member (3 or 4) and a right and left side member (5 or 6). The modular roof has at least two modular roof elements (7, 14, 15) which are fixed directly to the roof structure (2). The modular roof elements (7, 14, 15), which extend over the entire breadth of the roof structure, are preferably fixed, especially releasably fixed, to the side members (5, 6) which lie opposite each other.

Abstract: A support structure for an interior overheard console of a roof of an automotive vehicle, comprising one or more elongated trays, opening at one of its larger walls, and which is anchored at its front and rear edges to crosspieces of the roof of the vehicle. The tray defines housings for the assembly of interchangeable compartments therein. There are connections between each tray and the crosspieces. Guides for installation and the fastening of the compartments in the tray.